You’ve just signed a contract for a house, congratulations! But before you pop the champagne, remember: going under contract is not the finish line, it’s the start of a detailed process that ensures you close on your new home. Nearly 22% of contracts fall through before closing (according to the National Association of Realtors), often due to financing, inspection issues, or missed deadlines. That’s why having a clear buyer under contract checklist is essential.
Here are the 10 key steps every buyer should follow to avoid costly mistakes and move smoothly from offer acceptance to closing day.
1. Connect with your Realtor on the upcoming timeline
Your real estate agent and attorney (if you’re buying or selling by owner) will guide you through what to do when under contract for a house. The clock starts ticking the moment the contract is signed, and deadlines for due diligence, inspections, and financing can sneak up quickly. A quick call ensures you understand key dates and what needs to be prioritized first. At Healdsburg Luxury Living, we share a timeline with our buyers and sellers, noting the dates for important deadlines, inspections, and deposits.
2. Submit Your Deposit within 3 Business Days (in CA)
In California, within 3 days of an offer being accepted, the deposit is due. Typically, the deposit is 3.0% of the purchase price. This step makes your commitment official. If you delay, the seller could cancel the deal. At Healdsburg Luxury Living, our title company will be in touch with buyers confirming the wiring information and the exact amount due. Always confirm with your Title Company Agent where to send the funds; never wire money without verifying instructions to avoid fraud.
3. Provide Your Lender with Documents ASAP
Mortgage delays are the #1 reason closings get pushed back. To avoid this, send all requested documents, pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements immediately. Updating supporting documents (like recent paychecks) may also be required before closing. The faster your lender has what they need, the sooner they can move to underwriting.
4. Lock in Your Interest Rate
Rates fluctuate daily, and a 0.5% increase could cost you hundreds more each month. Talk to your lender about locking your rate once you’re under contract. Many buyers wait too long and regret it later. Ask for a rate lock timeline and written confirmation.
5. Schedule a Home Inspection Early
Don’t wait! Most due diligence periods last only 7–14 days. Book your inspection quickly so you have time to review results, get quotes for repairs, and submit a repair request if needed. Major issues (like roof damage or foundation problems) can become negotiation points with the seller.
At Healdsburg Luxury Living, we work with a trusted team of inspectors, so we set up inspectors for our buyers, but if you don’t have an agent, research the best inspectors in your area (check Google Reviews) and go with trusted partners who you see have glowing customer reviews.
Speaking of Google Reviews, visit Healdsburg Luxury Living to see our 5.0 Star Google My Business Page. A special thanks to all of our clients and partners for sharing their wonderful experiences working with Realtor Emily Martin of Healdsburg Luxury Living.
6. Appraisal: Confirming the Value
Your lender won’t finalize the loan until an appraisal confirms the home’s value matches the purchase price. If the appraisal comes in low, you’ll need to renegotiate with the seller or cover the difference. Staying proactive with your lender ensures the appraisal is ordered quickly.
7. Review Repairs and Negotiate Smartly
If the inspection uncovers problems, this is your chance to request repairs or a credit. Focus on major safety or structural concerns, not cosmetic ones. Remember, sellers aren’t obligated to fix everything, but your agent can help you negotiate fairly to protect your investment.
8. Secure Homeowners Insurance
Before you can close, lenders require proof of insurance. Get quotes early, the average U.S. homeowners pay around $1,428 per year. Bundling with auto insurance often saves money. Send the policy details to your lender so they can finalize your loan package.
Our trusted partner is Erica Bishop of State Farm. See more of our trusted partners on our website here.
9. Set Up Utilities and Plan Your Move
At least a week before closing, call to transfer water, electricity, gas, and internet into your name, effective the day you take possession. Movers book quickly, especially at the month’s end, so schedule early. Creating a moving checklist now prevents last-minute chaos.
List of our trusted vendors you will need when buying a Home in Sonoma County of Healdsburg, CA.
- IN Healdsburg Water, Waste & Electric is done through the city of Healdsburg. Set that up here.
- Most of our clients find Sonic WiFi the cheapest and with the strongest service, so that’s who we recommend. Learn more about Sonic here.
- Garbage & Recycling are also set up with Recology in Sonoma County.
10. Review the Closing Disclosure and Prepare for the Big Day
Closing costs in California usually range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. These include escrow fees, title insurance, transfer taxes (set by county/city), and lender fees. For a $700,000 home, that means budgeting around $14,000 to $21,000 in closing costs.
📌 Learn more in our detailed guide: Closing Costs When Buying a Home in California.
Be Ready For Next Steps After Going Under Contract
Going under contract is exciting, but it’s also when the real work begins. By following this buyer under contract checklist, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and stay ahead of deadlines. From securing financing to scheduling inspections, every step brings you closer to unlocking the door to your dream home.
If you’re buying in Sonoma County, working with a trusted expert like Sonoma Realtor Emily Martin ensures you have a clear strategy at every stage, from offer to closing. Her local expertise and proven marketing approach can make all the difference in navigating California’s unique escrow process.
Why choose Sonoma Realtor Emily Martin?
Emily has called California home for over a decade and likes to think of herself as a California “native.” Learning at a young age from her mother, Linda K. Martin, a top-producing real estate agent for 40+ years, Emily has been immersed in real estate all of her life. As a homeowner in her early 20s in Manhattan’s Gramercy Park, followed by San Francisco, and now Healdsburg, Emily understands the intricacies of home ownership in highly sought-after regions such as Manhattan, San Francisco, Sonoma County, Napa Valley, and her beloved hometown of Healdsburg, California.
Whether clients are buying their dream home, purchasing a second home, selling a cherished property, or investing in the market, Emily is here to make their dreams a reality. Her extensive luxury experience, attention to customer service, marketing expertise, strong work ethic, and passion enable her to provide a level of service that is truly distinctive.
As the journey begins, here’s what clients can expect:
Unmatched Luxury Expertise
With a deep-rooted understanding of the luxury market, Emily brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into luxury goods, sales, and lifestyle. Whether clients are buying or selling, she has the expertise to navigate the world of real estate and the Healdsburg Luxury Homes market.
A Tradition of Excellence
With a family legacy spanning four decades in real estate, excellence is not just a goal—it’s a tradition. Emily is committed to upholding the impeccable reputation her mother, Linda K. Martin, a top North Shore Chicago agent, has built by delivering nothing short of excellence to her clients.
Unwavering Dedication & Passion
Emily is dedicated to her clients’ success. From the moment they embark on this journey together, she provides unwavering support, guidance, and attention to detail, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. When asked to describe Emily, the first words that come to her clients ‘ minds are passionate, energetic, experienced, and dependable.
Explore the Luxury Lifestyle in Healdsburg’s Wine Country
Luxury real estate is not just about properties; it’s about a lifestyle. It’s about finding the perfect blend of elegance, sophistication, and comfort that feels like home. It’s the feeling clients get when they walk into their dream home.
Contact Sonoma Realtor Emily Martin today at: [email protected] or 707-926-3200 to begin an extraordinary real estate experience. Together, you’ll create a story worth telling, a life worth living, and a legacy worth building.